Focus on sustainability to elevate
Alberta as energy transformation
centre
CALGARY,
AB, June 29, 2022 /CNW/ -- IBM Canada (NYSE:
IBM) today announced an IBM Client Innovation Centre (CIC) for
Western Canada, with plans to
create 250 new jobs in Calgary and
helping to invigorate the city's technology sector, diversify the
economy, and fast track cross-industry digital transformation and
application modernization. The CIC will have a focus on
sustainability, delivering consulting services and technologies
like 5G, artificial intelligence, hybrid cloud and blockchain,
helping to elevate Alberta's
position as a centre for energy transformation.
Sustainability challenges impact some of Canada's most important economic engines; in
fact, according to a recent study from IBM, 83% of CEOs believe
sustainability investments will improve their business results in
the next five years. Through the Western Canada CIC, IBM will help
organizations accelerate their environmental and social goals to
create a long-lasting impact for their communities, employees,
customers and investors in five key areas: climate risk management,
infrastructure and operations, supply chain, electrification,
energy and emissions management, and sustainability strategies.
IBM is working with Invest Alberta, Calgary Economic Development
and Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF) to establish the
CIC.
"The new IBM Client Innovation Centre will play an important
role in contributing to Alberta's
economic growth through job creation and the engagement of local
expertise. It will accelerate innovation in sustainable practices
and advance the position of Alberta as a hub for energy transformation,"
said Dave McCann, president of
IBM Canada. "IBM has a long and established presence in the
province and we are excited to expand our capability in
Calgary in support of our clients
in Western Canada."
The creation of the CIC aligns with shared objectives of the
Province and City of Calgary to
create jobs, improve workforce skills training, and further grow
the tech sector, which has already been accelerating at a rapid
pace. According to a report from Calgary Economic Development and
IDC Canada, Alberta's spending on
digital transformation is expected to surpass $20B by 2024, of which Calgary businesses will account for nearly
$7.5 billion. This represents an
average growth of 13% across all industries.
"IBM's choice to locate its new Client Innovation Centre for
Western Canada in Calgary is truly something to celebrate.
This investment shows once more that Alberta has the economic momentum to continue
to move Albertans forward. We have worked closely with IBM over the
past year to make this investment possible, and are thrilled to see
this happen, adding even more momentum to Alberta's rapidly growing tech sector."
Jason Kenney, Premier of
Alberta
Calgary's growth as a
Western Canada tech hub, plus its
skilled and diverse workforce, were fundamental reasons for its
selection as the headquarters for the new IBM CIC.
"The expansion of IBM in the downtown core is yet another signal
of confidence in our city's growing tech sector," said
Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek. "As Calgary's reputation for
innovation grows, more companies like IBM are recognizing the value
Calgary offers including the
ability for their people to have a rewarding career and great life
here. It also underscores the importance of continuing to invest in
tech scale-up efforts, essential to attracting more growth to our
city."
"IBM's expansion to Calgary is
a welcome addition to the growing tech sector in the city. This new
Client Innovation Centre not only represents additional
opportunities for job-seekers, it is further evidence of the
maturation of technology and innovation in Alberta. Alberta is proving, once again, that we are a
destination of choice for business." Doug Schweitzer, Minister of Jobs, Economy and
Innovation, Alberta
Roles in the Calgary-based
centre will include application developers, business and
transformation analysts, testers and project managers and more, all
of which are in demand by Canadian businesses.
"ATCO knows that transforming our energy systems requires both
world-class expertise and local technical talent," said
Sarah Shortreed, ATCO's Executive
Vice President & Chief Technology Officer. "That's why
we're investing in systems to support the workforce of the future
and looking forward to IBM's Client Innovation Centre bringing new
levels of collaboration and skills to help Alberta companies partner and
prosper."
The CIC will assume a portion of the 25,000 square feet office
IBM currently holds in the Beltline area of downtown Calgary as a collaboration hub for IBM,
clients and partners.
The Western Canada CIC will be part of IBM's proven model for
tech and skills growth with the network of IBM Client Innovation
Centres, including ones in Halifax
and in Montreal.
For more information about IBM Canada, visit:
www.ibm.com/ca-en
Media Contact: Lorraine Baldwin,
IBM Canada: lorraine@ca.ibm.com
SOURCE IBM Canada